Categories
Tourism Malaysia

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MALAYSIA’S LATEST ATTRACTION, ENCORE MELAKA

Hear ye! Hear ye! There’s a new attraction in town and we’ve got the 101 on it for you right here!

From the Impression series of world-acclaimed performances in China comes Encore Melaka, specially curated and directed by Wang Chaoge (the creative force behind the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Opening Ceremony) to express her feelings for Melaka, its past, present and future.

Having just opened its doors on 7 July 2018, Encore Melaka puts up a magnificent and spectacular show. Expect emotive storytelling, high-energy choreography, vivid stage settings with creative lighting and unbelievable stage effects along with a score of moving music that will not only inspire audiences but capture their imagination, too.

We had a chance to be among the first to view the performance on its grand launch, which coincided with the very date that Melaka was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2008, and came away fully impressed (no pun intended)!

Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect of this awe-inspiring show that spans 700 years of story-telling through beautiful costumes, light, music, dance, folklore and history, all using top-notch technology that will blow your mind away!

  1. A new landmark in Melaka: The theatre itself is a work of art! Overlooking the scenic Straits of Melaka, it sets a new landmark in Melaka with its contemporary design. The façade is tiled with fish scale-like LED panels which reflect light from the ever-changing and vibrant sky of Melaka. It is the largest permanent theatre in Malaysia designed by chief architect Wang Ge from the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, and is purpose-built for Encore Melaka and nothing else! Tip: Come early before the show to catch the beautiful sunset scene of the theatre hall against the Straits of Melaka.
  2. State-of-the-art theatre hall: This theatre hall is unlike any other. The audience seats are situated in what seems to be an island surrounded by massive screens. In fact, to get to your seats, you will have to cross rhino over the stage! Seating capacity is 2,000 and it has state-of-the-art theatre technology including a sophisticated hydraulics system to support the 240 meter-long stage, multi-layered stages, advanced audio and 3D video mapping projection equipment. All this technology is synchronised to create a vivid and immersive theatre experience for all.
  3. The 360 degree rotating audience platform: The “wow” factor of this theatre is definitely the 360 degree rotating audience platform surrounded by four stages, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. The entire island of seats rotate automatically during the performance but you might not even realise the movements as the turns are so subtle. But, it will move you from stage to stage, bringing you a new perspective of the performance each time.
  4. Abstract storytelling: Don’t expect a linear re-telling of Melaka’s history in this show. Instead, Wang Chaoge wanted to compile cultural stories of Melaka and vignettes of life that reflected a society which embraced diversity and inclusiveness. There are snippets depicting Baba Nyonya wedding traditions, but in other scenes are abstract representations of Melaka and its people through symbolic adobe dance movements. Never mind if some of the scenes are too deep, the production itself, through artistic choreography, creative stage use, costumes and music, and 3D mapping technology, will keep you mesmerized.
  5. A performer’s dream: During the 70-minute live performance, about 200 local performers from all over Malaysia, aged between 18 and 63 years will take to the stage. The show’s producers proudly shared with us that putting together the show had brought about the realization of dreams for many of their performers. Indeed, the production supports the full-time careers of these performers and goes to show that the arts is well and truly alive in Malaysia.
  6. Memorable scenes: Keep your eyes open for some of the most memorable scenes of the performance: mesmerizing abstract lines dancing across the scene/stage depicting waves that later transform into a fleet of ships during the Cheng Ho scene; rows of shirtless drummers masterfully hitting drums in sync against projected imagery of waves; the water effects accompanied by emotive choreography in one of the show’s most thought-provoking dance sequence; the scene when a line of ladies dressed in colourful kebayas take on the stage with their stirring and nuanced performance. The show is presented in English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and other local dialects, reflecting the multi-racial and multi-cultural society in Melaka, but even so, remember that theatre, dance and music breaks all barriers.
  7. The work of an accomplished director: The whole storyline of Encore Melaka is the brainchild of Wang Chaoge, after studying Melaka’s history, culture, traditions and people for two years. It showcases her own perceptions and interpretations of the Melaka culture, after immersing herself in its history, experiencing the modern Melaka and envisioning its future. In fact, she has been famously quoted as saying, “I did not choose Melaka; Melaka has chosen me…” when explaining why Melaka was handpicked out of 150 competing countries lobbying for their own Impression show.
  8. The tenth Impression series and first out of China: The Impression series was started in 1998 by Wang Chaoge, along with fellow directors Zhang Yimou and Fan Yue. In China, six Impression shows and three Encore shows have been created under the series. Some of the famous Impression series include Impression Sanjie Liu and Impression Lijiang which are outdoor performances utilizing natural backdrops of mountains, lakes and rivers. When Melaka was handpicked by Wang Chaoge as the coveted home of Encore Melaka, it made Malaysia the first country outside of China to continue the legacy of this well-established performance series.
  9. Impression City in Melaka – The Encore Melaka theatre is part of a larger waterfront integrated mixed development called Impression City Melaka which encompasses hotels, serviced apartments, commercial complexes, office towers, educational and wellness facilities, a shopping mall, retail shops, a yatch club and a marina. The landmark 56 ha project with a gross development value of RM7 billion, is being developed by Yong Tai Berhad and expected to be ready in eight to ten years’ time. Encore Melaka theatre will remain as the centerpiece of this new destination.
  10. Close proximity to other tourist attractions – The theatre is located in Melaka’s most prominent site, along the city’s waterfront, just 3.5 km from Jonker Street, a renowned China town in the city. It is quite close to the city’s shopping, historic and cultural areas. In fact, from the Melaka city centre, it will barely take you 15 minutes to reach the theatre site. Bear in mind, though, as the theatre is located within a new commercial district, there aren’t many retail outlets just yet, so it is best to dine in the city before going for the show.

Contact Details/Information:

Address: No. 1 Jalan KSB, Impression 8, Impression City @ Kota Syahbandar, 75200, Melaka, Malaysia.
Ticketing: The ticket prices is from RM128 onwards. Visit https://encore-melaka.com/ticketing for ticket purchase.
Show Time: Monday –Saturday (5.30pm 8.30pm); Sunday (2.30pm 5.30pm).

Categories
Travel to Melaka

Spa Melaka – Best Authentic Spa & Wellness Centers in Melaka

Whenever you’re traveling and visiting a place, you’re interested in knowing tourist attractions, places to visit and activities, you can do. You also get tired exploring new places and massage spa’s centers can give you must needed relaxation. There is almost everything for tourists in Melaka and that includes some of the best authentic Spa in Melaka.

Best Spa in Melaka

We will look at some of the best Melaka Spa in this article which are highly recommended as they provide best spa services in the town for tourists and locals alike.

Scents and Senses – A Touch of Thai

Scents and Senses
Photo Credit Scents and Senses FB

The Scents and Senses, A Touch of Thai is one of the best spa Melaka as we experienced. I may forcefully recommend you to visit and grab the service of this spa if you really want relaxation after struggling through the ancient view of Melaka city. There is no such hassle to locate this particular spa in Melaka, as it can be found at Jalan KSB 1, Taman Kota Syah Bandar. Its special features are to gives you a physical and mental relaxation and the workers here starts relaxing your body from massaging your feet then move upwards in order to yield a lighter feeling by the whole body massage and Jacuzzi bath.

Address: 106, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-286 1186
Read more about Scents and Senses

Envy Wellness

Envy Wellness
Photo Credit Envy Wellness FB

By the name of this spa we can easily recognize the special services provided for its customers which really are capable to develop a feeling of healthy soul in our body that in turn flashes an envy feeling for others through which those also do not waste their time in having the services of this spa due to the arise of being envious. The environment of Envy Wellness spa mostly attracts others which are neat and clean all the time when you visit. Our trip to Melaka was about a week and we got a chance to visit the spa twice due to its cozy environment.

Address: Jalan Limbongan, Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-283 5572
Read more about Envy Wellness

Philea Resort Spa

Philea Resort Spa
Photo Credit Philea Resort Spa FB

The Philea Resort Spa is the most famous spa in Melaka which is specifically constructed by having a green boundary all over. It will hardly take around twenty minutes to reach here from the main Melaka town and is situated in Ayer Keroh, Melaka. Plenty of tourists come here and stay in the resort mainly to have a body relaxation through special massage service being provided in a fully green environment. Those who are eager for body fitness also take pleasure in exercising room allocated for them.

Address: Lot 2940, Jalan Ayer Keroh, Off Jalan Plaza Tol, 75450 Malacca, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-289 3399
Read more about Philea Resort Spa

Spa Village Melaka

Spa Village Melaka
Photo Credit Spa Village Melaka official Website

The Spa Village Melaka is famous not only in Melaka but Malaysia as well, as the services being enlisted for the customers are successively based on the Baba Nyonya therapy theories which are known as the healing methodologies gained from the Malaysian and Chinese culture. It is built in two floors where visitors here are influenced by breathing in a body healing environment being utilized by past methodologies. For instance, the inside portion of the spa is designed with a special healing decorum i.e. village theme is endorsed in the building structure.

The services being offered in Spa Village Melaka are numerous that majorly includes relaxing body muscles, comforting of skin with an advancement of getting rid of life pressures that has burdened our soul which certainly impacts the outer body. An entry towards this spa brings you close to the deep cultural values of the aborigines of Melaka. The Spa Village Melaka is located in the famous Majestic Malacca hotel.

Address: 188 Jalan Bunga Raya, The Majestic Malacca, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6 289 8000
Read more about Spa Village Melaka

Massa Sutra the Art of Massage

Massa Sutra the Art of Massage
Photo Credit Massa Sutra the Art of Massage FB

By having the whole body massage in Massa Sutra the Art of Massage, we come to realize its original outcome of services being given to its customers after enjoying a variety of food and hunting busy malls. For instance, we found a great pleasure here mainly because of its location that is situated in between the rush of the famous Jonker Street Melaka.

Address: Jalan Kubu, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-662 5083
Read more about Massa Sutra

These are some of the original and authentic spa Melaka which is highly recommended for tourists. You can also explore best massage centers in Melaka, specialized in providing all kind of massage services. If you want to recommend a spa in Melaka or share your experience, please do so by adding comments below. For more tourist activities, you can read top things to do in Melaka.

Categories
Travel to Melaka

Top 15 Places to See in Melaka

Diary
places-to-see

The Dutch possession of Malaysia is quite eminent from the Red Square (Dutch Square) area. You can witness two of the most prominent landmarks of the area which includes the Christ Church and the old town hall or Stadthuys. You can also enjoy a tri-shaw ride in the area and indulge yourself in some souvenir shopping.

Located at the top of St. Paul’s Hill, the St. Paul’s Church ruins make for some photography shots. You can have some amazing views of the city from the top of the hill after the brief walk up. The place has been well maintained and preserved by the local authorities. The tomb stone and relic inscriptions will allow you to get a detailed insight into the history of the church.

Built in 1645, Cheng Hoong Teng temple certainly offers its visitors with a calm, serene and tranquil environment to offer their prayers. You will be fascinated by the architectural style along with the carvings of this Buddhist temple. The place mostly remains free from tourists and serves as a nice retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The wealth of the Baba Nyonya family can be witnessed at this museum which has been kept in a similar way as it was during the earlier times. The place desires to share the way of life and history of Baba Nyonya and you can take advantage of a guided tour which is included in the package.

It is easy to miss the place from the outside but the interiors are more refined. The place opens around eleven in the morning and has been declared as a UNESCO heritage site. You can get a brief idea about the history, architecture and culture of early shop houses that were based in Melaka. Admission is free of charge.

A visit to this museum will take you back to the times of the famous admiral of China, Cheng He also known as Zheng Ho. A short video accompanied by a thirty minute guided tour is all included within the entry fee. The displays and exhibits of the museum are extremely informative and certain to appeal to history lovers.

While in Chinatown expect something unusual and unique at all times. This vibrant place boasts of eye-catchy architecture and brilliant lighting. The center of the Chinatown is at Jonker Street, where you wouldn’t want to miss out on the bustling weekend night markets. Places to eat are available in plenty and certainly the best place to hang out in Melaka.

A visit to this place will take you back to the culture and history of Malaysia. This century old home acts as a living museum village which is presently inhabited by the granddaughter of the actual owner of the house. She is extremely courteous and will guide you through her house to get a better understanding of how people used to live in the past.

This is actually the replica of the original palace also known by the name Istana. There are more than one thousand three hundred exhibits along with drawings, photographs, prints and artefacts. You will be left amazed by this three storey replica which has been divided into three galleries and eight chambers.

Located in the Red(Dutch) Square, Christ Church is a favourite among the locals as well as tourists from all over the world. The church dates back to eighteenth century and offers you with a peaceful and cool ambience inside. This area around the Christ Church remains extremely crowded and it is a better idea to come early and take some nice photographs.

The Famosa Fort in Melaka is a popular tourist destination and an important historic landmark. You can visit the fort preferably during the morning so as to avoid the crowd. You can also click some nice pictures standing in front of the canons which were actually used during the early times.

Built in 1781, Sri Pogyatha Vinoyagar Moorthi Temple has been quite well maintained over the years. The temple is dedicated towards Lord Ganesha (Vonyagar) and consists of elaborate and intricate decorations. If you are in Jonker Street area then, it is definitely worth a visit to this temple. You can also visit during the evening time when the (puja) worship takes place.

The Menara Taming Sari happens to be the lone gyro tower of Malaysia. The ride will take you to heights from where you can good views of sea and the city. If you are holidaying with your family then, it can turn out to be a great experience for the entire family. The best time is the evening as from the top you can spectacular views of the sun setting down.

Built in the year 1856, the St. Francis Xavier Church is situated at Jalan Laksamana. The neo-gothic structure is located quite close to some of the popular scenic spots of the city which will make it convenient and easy for you. If you observe closely then you’ll find that the structure tilts slightly towards the left.

This museum is actually a replica of Flora de la Mar, the ship from Portugal which sank off the coast of the country after carrying loot from Melaka. You can find some interesting documents, artefacts and exhibitions inside the replica about the golden era of Melaka. Children are definite to like the place a lot.

 

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Tourism Malaysia

Nyonya Treats Restaurant at Taman Perling, Johor Bahru.

Nyonya Treats Restaurant (N1.48338 E103.68017) is located along Jalan Simbang of Taman Perling, diagonally opposite the Pizza Hut of Tmn Perling. It’s about 15KM from Causeway and 25KM from Second Link.

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The restaurant has a nice decor and cozy ambience, but limited seating area. It’s advise to make a reservation if you going to dine in during weekend evening.

While we stepped into the restaurant just like a time portal, the retro design with the touch of Peranakan atmosphere is a reminiscent of those golden days. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned and is a good place for family dining and friends gathering.

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We (total of 3 families) visited the restaurant on one of the Saturday evening and let me share with you the delicious foods we had in the restaurant. We ordered three types of fish, three types of veggie and others.

1)  Nyonya Assam Fish
2)  Nyonya Fish Head Curry
3)  Deep Fried Slice of Fish with ginger and garlic
4)  Nyonya Chap Chai (Mixed vegetables)
5)  Sambal Petai (bitter or stink bean)
6)  Stir Fried Long Bean with Prawns
7)  Cincalok Omelette
8)  Chicken Pongteh

The above dishes were catered for 6 adults and 3 children.

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The Nyonya Assam fish taste sour and spicy, and the sourish and spicy level were balanced and satisfied. The portion was just nice and not over served.

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As usual, the fish head curry served with piping hot and delicious! The flesh was flavorful and pleasingly firm, curry was rich really goes well with the plain rice, you shouldn’t miss this if you are a curry lover.

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This was the dish specially for the children. The slice of deep fried fish served with dried ginger, garlic and bean paste. It was sweet with fragrance of the bean paste gravy. The children were happily enjoyed the fish till empty.

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The Nyonya chap chai is one of the must order dish for every Nyonya restaurant we visit, the reason is because the dish is the Nyonya authentic homecook dish. The chap chai was well prepared and the taste was just perfect, but the portion was rather small…

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The petai was fresh and the special made sambal went well with it. The sambal had a balanced sweet and spicy taste that made us can’t stop enjoying it.

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This dish is not really a Nyonya dish, it’s available easily at most of the Chinese restaurant within Malaysia. The long bean was not overly fried, provided some crunchy bites and the prawns were fresh!

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This is another dish we will order while visiting a Nyonya restaurant. The Cincalok omelette was served with nice fragrance and taste just nice, not salty at all. The children had it happily.

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The Ayam Pongteh is an authentic dish from Baba Nyonya, we won’t miss to enjoy this meal on every Nyonya restaurant we visited within Malaysia. And in Nyonya Treats Restaurant, the chicken was well prepared and cooked to perfection. The meats were tender and easily drop from bone while you bite on it. The dish is cook with bean paste and potatoes, it had the strong taste of the sweet bean paste in the chicken…

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Nyonya Treats Restaurant serve varieties of Nyonya foods, and the above dishes we tried were satisfied. Beside, the prices also reasonable. The total bill for the savory dishes we had was around RM180.00 included drinks (for 6 adults and 3 children).

It is a another good restaurant to having a nice Nyonya food within Johor Bahru area, we having our dinner there after the children’s fun from the Legoland. It’s another good choice for those who want to dine in after the whole day activities at the Theme Park.

Do drop by the restaurant if you happen to be around at Taman Perling, and I believe you will like it even you are not the fan of Nyonya food. 🙂

Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

MELAKA BABA NYONYA ACTOR DIES OF HEART ATTACK

Wednesday October 5, 2011

66-year-old Baba Nyonya actor Chee Hood Siong dies
By MICHAEL CHEANG
newsdesk@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has lost one of her most beloved television icons. Chee Hood Siong, of the popular 1990s comedy Baba Nyonya, passed away on Sunday of a heart attack.

He was 66, and left behind wife Gladys Ong Keng Wah and two children.

Chee was best known for his role in TV1’s Baba Nyonya, in which he dressed in drag to play Ah Chim, a Peranakan woman together with his long-time partner Kenny Chan, who played “her” best friend Bibik Kim Neo.

The series is recognised by the Malaysian Book Of Records as the longest-running TV series in the country ever, lasting from the late 80s till 2000, with 509 episodes in total.

Chan, who now owns a restaurant called King’s Caf in Malacca, said that Chee would be sorely missed.

The pair of close friends had worked together in show business for more than 30 years.

“He was a very versatile actor. He could take on whatever role you gave him,” Chan said.

“We’ve gone through thick and thin and travelled all over the world together.”

The pair was most recently seen in the local box-office hit Nasi Lemak 2.0, directed by Namewee, in which he and Chee played a Baba and Nyonya couple who taught Namewee’s Chef Huang character how to make a good nasi lemak sambal paste.

Fred Chong, producer of Nasi Lemak 2.0, said it took him and Namewee two months to convince Chee and Chan to come out of retirement and appear in their movie.

“Uncle Chee had already retired, and did not want to do the show without Kenny. We finally convinced them to do it after they learnt about the message of social unity that we wanted to convey,” said Chong.

“When they finally came on the set, they were amazing! They had so much chemistry that only about 50% of their scenes and dialogue were scripted. The rest was done impromptu!”

According to Chan, Chee was initially reluctant to take the role because he did not want to act as a woman anymore.

“I had to convince him to take the role by becoming my husband instead!” he said.

“I was glad that we took part in that movie, but I am also sad that it was to be his last movie.”

Webmaster: Baba Chee and Baba Chan have promoted Peranakan culture and cuisine in Melaka and all over the world over the years. Sad that Baba Chee has passed on but his legacy lives in all of us, Malaccans. May he find Nirvana and our condolences to the family of Baba Chee.